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. 2024 Jan 30;66(1):e1-e4.
doi: 10.4102/safp.v66i1.5836.

A mindful approach to physician self-care

Janine M Kirby  1 , Peter D Milligan, Hofmeyr H Conradie, Belinda M McIntosh
Affiliations

A mindful approach to physician self-care

Janine M Kirby et al. S Afr Fam Pract (2004). .

Abstract

There has been an increasing awareness of the importance of physician mental health. Several South African studies show a high prevalence of burnout among doctors. Burnout is characterised by three components: exhaustion, depersonalisation, and a sense of a lack of efficacy. Burnout is a result of both external and internal pressures. While lifestyle modification is essential, mindfulness-informed programmes promote self-regulation and resilience. Mindfulness programmes comprise three components: present moment awareness, perspective-taking and wisdom, and compassion. Physician wellness begins with individuals recognising the need of self-care and giving themselves permission to prioritise this. Ongoing identification of self-care needs and acting compassionately to address these needs is essential.

Keywords: Self-care; burnout; perspective; presence; self-compassion; systems failure.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no financial or personal relationships that may have inappropriately influenced them in writing this article.

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